Escalators are extremely common across the state of Maryland, and chances are, you could go on a million in a lifetime and never have an accident. However, all it takes is one small malfunction and your life can be turned upside down. Escalator accidents happen suddenly, providing victims with little to no time to react, usually resulting in serious injuries. If you have been injured in an escalator accident, you are most likely looking to recover financial compensation to help cover the cost of your medical bills, lost wages, and more. Here are some of the questions you may have regarding your legal options going forward:
What causes escalator accidents?
Since escalators are composed of so many parts, a wide arrange of scenarios can cause serious accidents. Some of the most common causes of escalator accidents are as follows:
- Gaps and spaces
- Missing steps
- Missing comb plates
- Inadequate escalator lighting
- Loose or missing screws
- Escalator design flaws
- Clothing or limbs getting snagged by machinery
- Escalators reversing direction, resulting in a pileup
- Improperly working emergency shut-off buttons
- Faulty handrails
- Electrical or mechanical malfunctions
How are people injured on escalators?
Some of the injuries sustained in escalator accidents that have recovered financial compensation in the past are as follows:
- Broken bones
- Joint injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Torn ligaments
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Concussions
How do I recover financial compensation?
To recover financial compensation, you must first satisfy the burden of proof by providing enough evidence to prove that you were injured due to another party’s negligence. This is why it is so crucial you hire an experienced attorney who is willing to aggressively fight for the compensation you deserve.
How do I satisfy the burden of proof?
You may recover security camera footage of your accident, witness statements verifying your personal injury claim, police reports, pictures of the safety hazard that caused your accident, medical documentation detailing the extent of your injuries, and more to help prove your claim.
What is the statute of limitations in Maryland?
The statute of limitations in Maryland is three years. This means you have three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury claim. If you fail to do so, you will most likely be denied the compensation you need for a speedy recovery.
Contact our experienced Maryland firm
If you are injured due to another party’s negligence, you must consult an attorney. The attorneys at Timian & Fawcett, LLC provide effective legal services to clients in Prince George’s County, Washington, D.C. and all of Maryland. Our firm is dedicated to our clients. If you need our help, we are ready to serve. Contact Timian & Fawcett, LLC.
